2026-11-02
Dialogue on Results and Next Steps in Ukraine´s Waste Management Reform
On 14-15 October, representatives from Ukrainian ministries, local authorities, pilot clusters, international partners and experts gathered in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, for the annual conference of the WM4U programme, Strengthening Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine. The event served as an important platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences and joint discussions on the future of Ukraine’s waste management reform.
Over two days, participants reflected on progress made so far and discussed how to move from planning to implementation. Topics included investment priorities, regional and local waste management planning, citizen engagement, communication and behavioural change, as well as the role of municipalities in driving reform forward. The discussions highlighted the interconnection between these topics and processes: the progress of the reform depends not only on the preparation of documents and technical solutions, but also on the capacity of communities to implement them in practice.
The conference also highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing between communities, experts and international partners. Through presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions, participants explored how investments, policy development and public engagement can work together to support sustainable waste management solutions across Ukraine.
– WM4U is important because it combines long-term reform support with practical action at local level. We bring in the experience of Swedish municipalities and turn knowledge exchange into concrete solutions that can strengthen Ukraine’s waste management for the long term, says Andrik Mols, International Project Manager at Avfall Sverige.
Conference highlights
Following the event, WM4U Programme Manager Pontus Förberg at Salar International presented the key findings and priorities for the next phase of the programme:
– We are developing the programme for next year; it will build on what we are currently doing. As we have already mentioned, we are trying to move from planning to action. We will start with pilot projects and labelling in accordance with the Nordic labelling system. We will also continue our work on donations and aim to increase the volume of these.
WM4U’s future work will focus on supporting pilot clusters, developing investment solutions, improving planning and creating the conditions for the practical implementation of municipal waste management reform in Ukraine.
Organisers of the event
The event was held within the Swedish–Ukrainian WM4U Programme, which aims to support the development of modern, systemic, and environmentally responsible waste management solutions at local, regional and national levels. The program is funded by the Government of Sweden through Sida and led by Avfall Sverige and SALAR International.
Senast uppdaterad - 2026-11-05
